The CSGA Links Volume 1 Issue 3 June, 2013 | Page 35

USGA leads movement to improve Pace of Play , “ While We ’ re Young ”

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USGA leads movement to improve Pace of Play , “ While We ’ re Young ”
The USGA unveiled a new public education campaign around the theme of “ While We ’ re Young ,” a new positioning to raise awareness across the golf community of the challenges and solutions to the pace-of-play issues in the game of golf . Borrowing the iconic line from the character played by Rodney Dangerfield in the classic 1980 film Caddyshack , the campaign takes a lighthearted and comedic approach to encourage golfers of all skill levels and golf course facilities to join a movement to improve pace of play and reduce the time it takes to play the game .
According to industry research , the time that it takes to play golf is a principal driver that adversely impacts enjoyment of and discourages participation in the game . In a recent study by the National Golf Foundation ( NGF ), 91 percent of serious golfers are bothered by slow play and say it detracts from their golf experience ; more than 70 percent believe pace of play has worsened over time ; and half acknowledged that they walked off the course due to frustration over a marathon round of golf . USGA research shows that the golfer is just one component within a complex , integrated system that determines pace of play in the game . Golf course design , course setup and player management also contribute to longer playing time .
“ Pace of play is a big issue . Rounds of golf take too long and no one enjoys it ,” said Tiger Woods . “‘ While we ’ re young ’ is part of the golfing vocabulary , and Caddyshack is iconic in our sport . This campaign is lighthearted , but it also shows that we need to pick up the pace of play .”
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